Galapagos Islands For People Over 50: Top Adventure For Seniors
Is visiting the Galapagos Islands for people over 50 worth it?
The fascinating Galápagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador, are known for their critically endangered giant Galapagos tortoises and their connection to British naturalist Charles Darwin – author of “The Origin of Species”.
They also have incredible white sand beaches, volcanoes, diverse wildlife and a variety of birds that make taking a Galapagos cruise an unforgettable experience for senior travellers.
This island chain and its fragile ecosystem are so important that the Galapagos was listed as a Unesco World Heritage site in 1978 – the first site on the list!
I’ve turned to my friend Jessica from CA Girl Travels for this in-depth look at visiting the Galapagos for seniors. From the full lowdown on the main islands to the best Galapagos Islands cruises and excursions, here’s what you need to know about visiting the Galapagos Islands for people over 50.
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Why Pick The Galapagos Islands for People Over 50
The magical Galapagos Islands – the “Enchanted Islands” – are just waiting for you to discover them. From the most beautiful beaches and stunning volcanic islands to coral reefs and local flora, these remarkable remote islands will make you go WOW!
Read also: Find The Best Galapagos Quotes & Captions For Instagram
What Is So Amazing About the Galapagos Islands for People over 50?
The Galapagos Islands are perfect for senior travellers because they offer an immersive nature experience for people with the time and maturity to appreciate wildlife, nature, and outdoor activities.
These islands are truly otherworldly – a place where you can carve out time for relaxation and rejuvenation away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Where are the Galapagos Islands Located?
The Galapagos Islands are in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles (965 km) west of mainland Ecuador, on the northwestern coast of South America.
The islands are part of Ecuador and cover an area of approximately 3,040 square miles (7,880 sq km).
What are the Galapagos Islands famous For?
Best known for unique and diverse wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea turtles, hammerhead sharks and various species of birds, the Galapagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Why Are the Galapagos Islands Worth a Visit?
People from around the globe flock to the Galapagos Islands to witness its stunning beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and take dive tours to the vibrant coral reefs. It’s a popular bucket list destination.
Whether seeking a tranquil beach vacation or exploring nature’s most magnificent depths, the Galapagos Islands offer experiences that will leave a lasting impression on travellers of any age.
This is an ideal destination for wildlife, outdoor, and snorkelling enthusiasts. Experienced divers and beginners alike will find this destination a paradise.
If getting up close with sea lions, iguanas, green sea turtles, and Galápagos fur seals doesn’t interest you, the islands’ beautiful landscapes make for a breathtaking experience from island to island.
How to get to the Galapagos Islands
The only way to get to the Galapagos Islands is to fly from Quito in Ecuador, as the islands are 600 miles from the Ecuadorian coast!
Direct flights take just over two hours; however, some flights are via Guayaquil, which adds around 90 minutes to the total flight time.
The Best Galapagos Tours For Seniors
There are two types of tours in the Galapagos: Land Tours and Cruises. The best tour type for you will depend on your mobility level and where you feel most comfortable.
You may enjoy some of these incredible Galapagos tours:
- Galapagos Intensive 5 days, land base (3 Islands)
- 6-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Santa Fe, Santa Cruz and Los Tuneles
- 7-day Galapagos on a Budget Experience
All Galapagos Islands tours require some walking. Some hikes will be strolls down one of the beaches, while others will be on the rough ground made from lava.
You don’t need a lot of physical strength, but balance and sure-footedness will help ensure your safety on some of the trails and ground you’ll cover on these tours.
Most tours incorporate walking on the lava fields and inside lava tunnels. You’ll need sturdy walking shoes AND water shoes!
🛳 Galapagos Cruise Tours
Most experts agree that seeing the Galapagos by boat is the best way to explore the islands.
☑️ Cruises allow you to visit remote islands with unique wildlife viewing opportunities you simply won’t get on a land-based trip.
☑️ A Galápagos cruise is not the typical cruise boat! These expedition ships are specially designed to stabilise and navigate the (sometimes) rough inter-island crossing.
☑️ Cruises are time efficient because most travel at night, so daylight can be reserved for exploring the many Galapagos islands.
☑️ You get off the boat every morning and afternoon to experience different excursions on different islands.
Galapagos cruises are slightly different from big ship experiences and require participants to be more active, as you’ll travel from your cruise ship to explore the islands by panga (an inflatable Zodiac-type boat).
Getting in and out of a panga isn’t easy if you have back, knees, and hip problems.
While the Galapagos waters are not rough, you’ll need to get out of the panga in knee-deep water, sometimes onto slippery, uneven ground. Don’t forget to pack those slip/water-resistant shoes!
Best Galapagos Islands Cruise
This 5-star rated luxury yacht cruise offers the trip of a lifetime to some of the most beautiful Galapagos Islands that the larger cruise ships can’t reach.
🚙 Land Tours in the Galapagos Islands
If you get seasick easily or have neck problems, a tour by land is the best option:
☑️ You will see three to four islands and flexible tour start dates and itineraries
☑️ You have more freedom on each island when you arrive than on a cruise.
☑️ Land tours are often less expensive than cruises, and you can explore one location in greater depth and more flexibly.
The staff will assist you, but knowing what you’re getting into is helpful before you decide which type of Galapagos Islands Tour is best for you.
Best Galapagos Islands Land Tour
This fabulous 5 day land-based Galapagos tour visits three beautiful islands so you can get close to the incredible Galapagos wildlife, including giant tortoises.
Which Is the Best Galapagos Island to Visit?
The four inhabited islands in the Galapagos archipelago include rural and urban communities and areas protected by the Galápagos National Park. Each of these populated islands offers something unique to do and see.
🏝️ Isabela Island
Isabela Island is the largest island in the region, with several endemic species, including Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and the rare and exclusive Galapagos hawk.
The highlight of this island is the Sierra Negra volcano, the world’s second-largest active volcano, which draws in numerous visitors. You can hike to the volcano’s summit for the awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding landscape.
You’ll likely see iguanas sunbathing or scouring for food on the island’s rugged terrain – a perfect photo opportunity!
🏝️ Floreana Island
Some of the highlights of Floreana Island are
☑️ Devil’s Crown: a popular snorkelling and diving spot with a submerged volcanic cone that provides a unique habitat for marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and colourful fish.
☑️ Cormorant Point: a beautiful beach known for its green sand, which gets its colour from olivine crystals.
☑️ The Lagoon: you can spot flamingos, sea turtles, and other wildlife.
☑️ Floreana’s unique birdlife includes the beautiful medium tree finch and the endemic Floreana mockingbird, and you’ll also see other species like Galapagos doves and Darwin’s finches.
Top Tip: Don’t miss Post Office Bay, a historical site where sailors used to drop off mail to be picked up and delivered by other sailors passing through.
The tradition continues today, with visitors leaving postcards or letters in the barrel to be picked up and delivered to their destination!
🏝️San Cristobal Island
San Cristóbal Island, located towards the eastern end of the Galapagos archipelago, offers many activities for visitors to experience the region’s unique wildlife up close.
Top attractions on San Cristobal Island
☑️ The Cerro Tijeretas hiking trail offers stunning coastal views and an opportunity to witness frigate birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
☑️ The island’s picturesque beaches, such as Playa Mann and Puerto Chino, provide ideal settings for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing while surrounded by the island’s stunning natural beauty.
☑️ Two hours northwest of San Cristobal, Kicker Rock is one of the Galapagos’ most iconic marine visitor sites; however, the only way to visit is with a guide. It’s a popular place to snorkel or scuba dive, and to see sharks, rays, sea lions and brightly coloured fish in an eroded volcanic cone!
☑️ Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is a town in the southwest of the island, with a cathedral and a natural history museum. It is served by San Cristóbal Airport, which connects the island to mainland Ecuador.
While most local people are involved in fishing, the Galapagos Islands’ tourism industry is well-provided for along the waterfront with plenty of hotels and shops.
🏝️Santa Cruz Island
The island of Santa Cruz (Isla Santa Cruz) is the second largest island in the Galapagos archipelago, attracting many foreign tourists each year.
Top attractions in Santa Cruz Island
☑️ The Charles Darwin Research Station offers valuable insights into the ongoing conservation efforts in the Galapagos. You can also learn about the station’s initiatives and the importance of preserving the region’s unique ecosystem.
☑️ Tortuga Bay, one of the best beaches in the Galapagos Islands, is just a short distance from Puerto Ayora.
☑️ Black Turtle Cove is a must-visit to see marine life up close. This protected cove allows visitors to view sea turtles and other aquatic animals without disturbing their natural behaviour.
Guided tours are available to enhance the experience of exploring Santa Cruz Island.
Other islands in the Galapagos
The Galapagos archipelago has many islands – plenty of which are accessible on guided tours.
Can You Stay On the Galapagos Islands
Many people visit the Galapagos Islands every year to bask in their splendour and partake in an unforgettable adventure.
If you’re wondering, “Can you stay on the Galapagos Islands?” the answer is a resounding yes!
There are several lodging options on the islands and even aboard boats, ensuring that visitors can choose an option that caters to their specific requirements.
Whether you prefer hotels or luxury resorts, there are many accommodations for every budget on the main islands.
➡️ Find the best places to stay in Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela, Isla San Cristobal and Isla Floreana.
FAQs: The Galapagos Islands for People Over 50
I hope you can see just how incredible and unique the Galapagos Islands are.
So, if you’re planning to book some Galapagos Islands tours but want to check whether the Galapagos Islands for people over 50 is a good plan, below are the answers to some extra questions you may have.
What is the age limit for the Galapagos Islands?
There is no age limit for visiting the Galapagos Islands; however, some cruises and ships do not allow children under six. If you plan to book Galapagos Islands tours and travel with a younger child, call ahead to get the company’s age requirements first.
How much does a decent tour of the Galapagos Islands cost?
The cost of a Galapagos island tour will vary, depending on the duration, type of accommodations, activities, time of year, and whether it’s a land tour or a cruise.
Is it expensive to stay on the Galapagos Islands?
The total cost will depend on how many tours you book and where you stay. A trip to the Galapagos Islands doesn’t have to be costly; there are hotels where you can stay for a minimum of $500 per week.
Can you drink alcohol in the Galapagos Islands?
Yes. The legal drinking age in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador is 18.
How long should you stay in the Galapagos?
The sweet spot is ten to 12 days, although you’ll want longer to see all the islands and experience activities like snorkelling. I wouldn’t spend under seven days exploring the Galapagos.
Can anyone go to the Galapagos Islands?
Yes. But upon arrival in the Galapagos, foreign tourists must pay an entrance fee (in cash!) to the Galapagos National Park.
The fee is currently $100 for non-Ecuadorian adults and $50 for children
How hard is it to get to the Galapagos?
It’s not easy to get to the Galapagos Islands. The trip often requires multiple flights. From North America, you must fly to Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador to catch a flight to the Galapagos Islands.
What is the Galapagos Islands population?
The total population of the Galapagos islands across all of the inhabited islands is just over 33,000, with Santa Cruz being the most populated island.
What are the baggage allowances on flights to the Galapagos Islands?
You can take one 23kg checked bag and 8 kg cabin luggage on flights from Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands.
Can I drink the tap water in the Galapagos?
No! Tap water in the Galapagos is salty! It’s not suitable for drinking or brushing your teeth. Pack a water filter bottle – although some cruise ships offer guests complimentary reusable water bottles.
Do you need a wetsuit to snorkel in the Galapagos?
You don’t need one, but many people prefer to use one – especially for longer snorkelling trips. Before you book any Galapagos Island tours, check whether wetsuit hire is included in the price.
Who lives on the Galapagos Islands?
There are certain requirements, such as marrying into the local community in the Galapagos or being granted permission to stay there for a set amount of time to conduct research projects or conservation work.
Do hotels in Galapagos have air conditioning?
It can get very warm in the Galapagos, and most visitors seek air conditioning – especially women travelling during menopause. Most quality hotels offer aircon, although it can be sporadic in mid-budget accommodations, while budget hotels usually offer electric fans instead of aircon.
Do I need travel insurance to visit the Galapagos Islands?
Absolutely! As with all international travel, you’ll need a good travel insurance policy to cover unexpected travel delays, medical and other expenses. Get a quote today from trustworthy provider Travel Insurance Master, which operates globally and offers outstanding customer service.
Which are the best Galapagos tours companies?
Personally, I use and recommend Viator and Get Your Guide to find the best tours. They offer various tour options, so you can tailor your trip and choose the best tour to your interests and needs.
When was the last eruption among the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos remains an area of volcanic activity, with Wolf Volcano erupting from January until October 2022. Like others in the region, this eruption was not violent!
Final Thoughts: The Galapagos Islands for People Over 50
The Galapagos Islands are a unique destination you will remember forever! They are particularly popular with people over 50, who have the luxury of time to discover unique wildlife and the outdoors.
When thinking about the Galapagos for seniors, you’ll need to consider fitness levels and tolerance for being on the water. If you have knee or hip problems or get seasick, choose a land tour.
If you have no problem getting into and out of small boats for trips to some of the more remote islands, you will love a Galapagos cruise!
You will need a guided tour to get the most out of your Galapagos visit and see the most animal species. Most islands are only available to tour with a naturalist guide, while some larger populated areas have restricted access to those travelling without a guide.
I hope you were inspired by this guide to visiting the Galapagos Islands For People Over 50!
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